24ct. Diamond Beats Estimate at Bonhams

RAPAPORT... A 24.31-carat diamond ring fetched $2.4 million at a Bonhams auction in London on
Wednesday.

The step-cut, D-color, internally flawless piece sold for
$98,194 per carat, beating its presale estimate of $1.7 million to $2.3
million, the UK company said.

“This magnificent gem was greatly admired during our previews
in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong,” said Emily Barber, UK director
of jewelry at Bonhams. “It attracted a lot of interest, not only due to its
significant size — top-quality diamonds over 20 carats are very rare — but also
due to its internally flawless clarity and its exceptional white color.”

Other notable items at the Fine Jewelry sale included a marquise-cut,
1.03-carat, fancy-intense-blue, VS1-clarity diamond ring, which garnered
$363,734, smashing its estimate of $190,000 to $260,000. Bonhams also sold a
cushion-shaped, 4.08-carat, Kashmir sapphire brooch with diamonds, which went
under the hammer for $317,748, well over its original valuation of $160,000 to
$230,000.

A trio of Art Deco gem-set bracelets by Van Cleef &
Arpels also exceeded estimates. The set went for $223,541 against its presale
valuation of $90,000 to $130,000.